Norths were invited to bat first on a Jamison Oval pitch that contained some moisture from the overnight rain. The West’s attack of Josh Corbett and Ethan Bartlett struck early and had Norths reeling at 5/28. Things didn’t improve for the shell-shocked Norths line-up as they were routed for just 52 in 29 overs. Bartlett captured 4/12 off 10 overs, veteran Matt McGann took 2/10 and Michael Minns mopped up the tail with 2/1 off 3.

West’s plan was to establish a first innings lead in quick time but what followed resembled an tsunami. Bartlett came in at number 3 and launched a phenomenal assault on the helpless North’s attack. He brought up his century in just 39 balls and when the declaration was made finished on 107* off 42 balls which included 10 fours and 9 towering sixes. Lachlan Murchie chipped in with 35 and Joe Cooke 29 from 19 as Wests declared at 3/182 off only 16.2 overs.

Norths were in trouble again in the second innings at 4/50 but Josh Low-McMahon (68*) and Lachlan Whatmough (53) combined for a 94-run partnership before a flurry of late wickets, two to McGann, left them at 8/171 at stumps.

The Creek had no hesitation batting first at Stirling Oval and apart from losing Josh Myburgh on the very first ball, enjoyed a wonderful day at the crease. Captain John Rogers had scored two 50’s and a 40 in the previous three matches but this time he was determined to press on. Rogers stamped his authority early with a string of boundaries before carrying on for a punishing and brilliant 147 off only 125 balls before in form Ginninderra spinner Brad Thomas got one through his defences. Seventeen year-old Sam Myburgh impressed with his highest score of 60 in First Grade and Harry Medhurst cashed in with a hard hitting 75 off 73 balls. Shaun Kimber (34*) and Dan McLean (24*) further frustrated the tiring Ginninderra bowlers with a stubborn unbroken 10th wicket stand of 50. Creek finished the day on an imposing 9/424. Thomas was the pick of the bowlers with 5/127 and Michael Ninneman took 3/98.

ANU decided to bat first at Chisholm Oval and despite an encouraging opening stand of 33, collapsed to be 5/69 as Adam Onus (3/13 off 8 overs) crashed through the top order. Experienced all-rounder Scott Murn dug in with 35 but lacked support as the Students were bowled out for 136. Veteran Shane Devoy was typically impeccable with his control as he captured 3/22 off 16 overs.

In reply, Tuggeranong sought to overtake ANU’s total before stumps and that’s exactly what they did thanks to a whirlwind 42* off only 29 balls from Jason Floros. They finished on 3/143 off just 33 overs. Matt Rogers is on 40* after Michael Barrington-Smith made a handy 37.

Queanbeyan and Eastlake fought out an even day’s play at Kingston Oval after the Blue Bags asked the Demons to bat first. Tom Henry (42) helped Eastlake off to a solid start but late wickets before lunch to in-form quick Tyler Van Luin swung the balance Queanbeyan’s way. Eastlake skipper Paul O’Malveney (46) and playing coach Adam Tett (64) played nicely through the second session but when they were both dismissed along with Sam Gunning (30) Eastlake eventually was dismissed for 283 on the stroke of stumps. Van Luin finished with a superb 5/46 off 19 overs, supported by Vele Dukoski (3/65).